It’ll a variety hour like nothing you’ve ever experienced if this quote from special guest and “world famous record connoisseur” Barney Kroger is to be believed:

Big Top Meets Big Tent!! Come see family and faith based comedian Chris Christian, raise your hands to the holy vibration of Barney Kroger’s Record Corner, and witness the powerful analogue synth gospel of the The xists! Filled with many surprise guests and…

Blasphemous rumors of a puppet show! You’ll have to show up to find out! Stay True and VIP! Don’t let the devil drag your soul asunder.

This unconventional revival may very well save you from the fires of hell. Be there.

Piano player Matthew Shipp is national treasure, and if you’re even remotely interested in free jazz, you need to be at this show. Matthew was a longtime member of the quartet led by saxophonist David S. Ware (who sadly passed away last October). Matthew has also performed with William Parker, Roscoe Mitchell, Joe Morris, Mat Maneri, Daniel Carter, Barbara Januszkiewicz and DJ Spooky. He’s known for his wholly original piano-playing style which somehow manages to convert dissonance into harmony. Never resting on tradition, Matthew also experiments in other genres, including contemporary classical, hip hop, and electronica.

Friday’s show is presented by FMRL Arts and also features The Xists, an experimental rock duo featuring Seth and Jocephus Hudson. Tickets are $20. Doors at 8 p.m. Show at 9 p.m.

Friday also marks the return of Future Night at Queen Avenue Art Collective. This installment features Terror’ish, Mge, Circuit Benders’ Ball alum Joey Molinaro, and Future Daze. There will also be art installations by Taylor O’Connor, Mike Kluge, Tyler Blankenship, and Evan Wise. Tickets are $5. Doors at 8:30 p.m. Show at 9:30 p.m.